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Posted by DarrellS on September 26, 2002 at 23:44:43:
In Reply to: Smooth softshell? posted by yrureefing on September 23, 2002 at 08:33:57:
:I have read an article that said the females only get like 14in and the male half that size. . I am wondering if they are available for the pet trade(I am not sure why they wouldn't be).And is it true they stay that small?
It is true that Apalone mutica is a comparitively small softshell. Your average size statement is true though a 14 inch softshell is still quite a handful. They are small in comparison to what is generally available from dealers such as Florida softshells (where the males get 14 inches or so and the females 23 - 23 inches) they are also supposedly somewhat less aggressive though from my experience I have not noticed a difference.
I do not know if they are available from breeders but it might be preferable to do a search on the internet using the latin name if you are looking for a CB one. In many states they are protected such as in Minnesota where they are a species of concern so this may be the reason you have not found a breeder.
Regardless please be aware that there are special habitat requirements for a softshell as they are very prone to shell infections.
There is a "general" softshell care sheet at the link below.
Darrell
